Asylum Seeker
Senior Member
So, in your opinion, which closed-back, full-size circumaural headphone is the best sounding for under $200? Just one.
Thanks for the write up. You talked about dt1770 pro, but dt177x go from drop seems to have different tuning as dt1770 pro. I am too lazy to mod headphones, I always use oratory1990's preset to eq headphones. If dt1990 pro and dt177x go eq to the same frequency response, which one is better in terms of sound stage, sub bass etc..?In stock form I didn't like the DT1770.
However, with the port mod (sligthly sealing the small ports) and using the silver/grey DT770 pads + treble filter it sounds excellent to me.
None of the typical 'closed' sound and excellent tonal balance.
Also I use a much shorter cable (no influence in sound)
It does require a DT1770 + EDT770V pads (with the black EDT770VB pads, which are stiffer and firmer it is 'darker' sounding with less clarity) + filter (DIY or only available from me) + some effort to tune the bass.
This adds to the price of the DT1770 alone.
Fortunately from me I was able to buy it second hand (ditched the original pads anyway) and had the DT770 pads in stock anyway.
It differs from the DT1990 in that it has much more 'body' to the sound which is missing from DT1990A. The filter (or EQ) is needed as the 'sharpness' is too much for me. Some actually like that and feel it ads a sense of hyper detail. In the end it is unnatural emphasis and fatiguing.
The DT1990B is warmer but also lacks 'body'. The modified DT1770 is very neutral, 'open' sounding, detailed and natural.
The modified DT1770 I walk around with (portable amp cause 250 Ohm) I can wear for many hours.
disclaimer: The DT1770 is currently the 'best' (affordable) closed headphone to ME. There are other closed back headphones that may sound 'better'. I haven't heard/measured all closed headphones around and don't buy uber expensive ones. So... it is not THE 'best' closed headphone. It just is the best sounding one to me that I own. It may not be 'best' to many others.
Yeah I can see that they only let people praise the headphone to review it, most of them are more towards subjective or only rely on their ears. For different headphones after eq, the frequency response are the same, but how does close back and lower impedance affect headphones? Are those being affected important for headphone sound quality?Oh sorry... didn't realize you asked about the DT177x. I no longer have access to Massdrop (my contact quit his job) so cannot test Massdrop gear anymore.
My reviews never seem to be raving and too technical so there is no incentive for manufacturers/dealers to send me stuff. They only let people review that write positive and raving reviews that helps sales.
After EQ you can make a lot of headphones sound similar(ish).
Same driver, different housing, different pads, different tuning after EQ tonally should be the same.
In case of the DT177x the driver differs (low impedance) so may differ just because of that alone.
With EQ they should sound the same/similar, that is if one believes the measurement rig has the exact same tuning as their ears.
I have not seen compelling evidence it is. Differences of +/- 10dB between different measurement rigs tells me measuring isn't as easy as folks believe/hope it is.
So, in your opinion, which closed-back, full-size circumaural headphone is the best sounding for under $200? Just one.
The AKG 167 "Tiesto" headphones I currently like best were originally priced at $200. B + H Photo often sell then at $50. Replacing the stock pads with the pads from Sennheiser Urbanite XL headphones improves the seal [and bass], also the comfort. I see Urbanite XL replacement pads online for $35....best sounding to you. Whatever that means to you. Let's keep it simple. Say the one that you like the most. KISS.
I auditioned these and they are far too dark and warm.
Isn't NAD HP50 close to harman preference headphone curve? Or you like bright headphones?I auditioned these and they are far too dark and warm.